Fast algorithm in estimating high intensity focused ultrasound induced lesions

Abstract

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) has been emerging as a new and effective modality in non-invasive thermal ablation for cancers and solid tumours. Although a theoretical model is available for calculating thermal field and the consequent lesion production, its computation is too time-consuming (~ 1 day) for HIFU treatment planning on the site. In this study, several approximations were made on the BioHeat equation to estimate HIFU-induced lesions. Experimental results, estimation and theoretical calculation were compared with each other in a good agreement. However, the computation time for 25 treatment spots was only 1 min. Altogether, the developed fast algorithm provides an accurate outcome in a timely fashion and can push the wide acceptance of HIFU technology in clinics.